Bikepacking and Touring

We have done a lot of touring over the last 10 plus years: from supported coast to coast, to unsupported tour of South West Ireland, to bikepacking the King Alfred’s Way. We have also been on an ebike tour!
Our touring experience started when one of our group, who had walked coast to coast, said ‘how are we going to do it next year’?
All touring / bikepacking / expeditions are fantastic in our opinion – it’s great to get out there and ride.

All trips, big or small, are a great adventure!!!!

Bikepacking / Tour list:

• 2025 September – Normandy, France (Airbnb base, on minor roads, travel by ferry)
• 2025 August – Melton Mowbray and Vale of Belvoir (camping tour, off-road as much as possible)
• 2025 June – Hadrians Wall (B&Bs, on minor roads, travel by rail)
• 2025 May – Malvern (camping tour, on minor roads and trails)
• 2025 April – Ashbourne (Premier Inn, on minor roads)
• 2024 March – Peddars Way, Norfolk (static caravan, off-road as much as possible)
• 2024 May – Northumberland (Cottage base, on minor roads)
• 2024 June – Rutland Water (camping tour, off-road as much as possible)
• 2023 July – Forest of Bowland (B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2023 May – Sherwood (lodge base, off-road as much as possible)
• 2022 August – King Alfred’s Way, South East England (B&Bs, off-road as much as possible)
• 2021 July – Cheshire (minor roads)
• 2019 March / April – Isle of Man (Airbnb, on minor roads)
• 2019 July – Northumberland (B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2019 October – Swaildale (B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2017 July – Dartmoor (B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2016 July – Peak District (camping, on minor roads)
• 2016 May – South West Ireland (Airbnb base + B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2015 June – East Yorkshire / Humberside (B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2015 Apr – Edinburgh to Donisthorpe (YHA + B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2014 October – Norfolk (B&Bs, on minor roads)
• 2014 May – Coast to Coast (supported by a motorhome, on minor roads)

More great info to come, about …

• Preparation
• Bikes: type, gearing, racks etc
• Packing: what do you need
• Accommodation

Preparation

In our opinion preparation is key. We really enjoy this part – it builds excitement and enhances the experience.

What is preparation? You really need to ask yourself a few questions.

• Where am I going?
• Where am I going to stay overnight?
• How am I going to get there?
• Do I have the right bike?
• Have I got the necessary equipment and luggage to carry it?
• Am I fit enough?

Where am I going?

Where am I going to stay overnight?

How am I going to get there?

This may seem a daft question – of course I’m going to ride my bike!!! Using other modes of transport to get you and your bike around opens up your choice of tour location massively.

Do I have the right bike?

There are loads of bikes to choose from and the bike you have may well be all you need. We are more than happy to help you choose a bike or advise if you present bike is suitable for you adventure.

One thing to consider is the terrain that you will encounter. This will have a massive bearing on the bike you need.

We will service your bike before you go and advise what tools and parts you may need for roadside repairs. We will also help you with maintenance training to help you adventure.

Do some test rides to make sure your bike works properly. Get it fixed before you set out.

• Do the brakes stop me,
• Do the gears change smoothly

Have I got the necessary equipment and luggage to carry it?

On your bike test rides ensure your luggage (ideally loaded) is attached properly and doesn’t fall off over bumps.

Am I fit enough?

I would say yes, within reason. You can tailor your route and tour length, and mix your riding days up with rest / sight seeing days. However, it is best to do some training on the bike. Make sure you can ride without your undercarriage getting bruised or sore.

You will get fitter as you ride.